Outfit of the Day

I don't usually do these type of posts, but I really enjoy looking at them, so I guess I'll give it a shot.

I have somewhat different views than most concerning dress and 'modesty', which use to make it difficult for me to express my personality.

As I've grown in Christ and learned more about the way He has commanded me as a woman to present myself, I've been able to become more creative with my style.

I hope my ensemble inspires you to think outside of the box, while keeping your main purpose of dress pleasing to our Creator.

This outfit I put together was extremely simple and inexpensive. It's a win, win. :)

The vest is my favorite go to piece to completing any outfit. I found it on sale at Dillard's. I wouldn't normally pay as much as I did, but I'd been wanting one for so long, and trust you me, I get my money's worth out of it. 

 $19 

The dress was a resale shop find that my sister found. It's basic and brown. Obviously. 

Around $7

The backpack was a steal, and I use it daily. 

$5 at Rue21 

The necklace is one of my absolute favorites, I wear it with nearly everything. I like its simplicity. 

$2.50 at Forever21

My sandals are from Walmart. I usually hate buying clothes or shoes from there, but these were exactly what I was looking for. And they seem to be holding up very well. 

$17

My glasses are from Walmart as well, but I don't mind that because I'm horribly irresponsible when it comes to sunglasses. So when I break, lose, or scratch them, I simply buy a new pair, identical to the last. 

$5

That's it!  

Have a blessed day, friends. 

>>> Arrow

Thoughtful Thursday

I've got to come up with a better title for these posts. .

Recently I've been completely in awe of time and the night sky in relation to eachother. Questioning the meaning. The reason behind our orbiting earth. I, more or less, will be rambling bits and pieces of my thoughts on the matter, in which case, there will most likely not be a clear conclusion. My sissy calls it an unresolved way of writing and quite frankly, they bug her to death.

In this season of my life, I have very little control. Which is extremely different from the life I led previously. God is teaching me something that I'm not able to put my finger on yet. I go from trying to control my every action vehemently, to wondering what meager effect those actions will have on the world. 

Bare with me. I know and adamantly believe our purpose is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever, (here comes the but, don't take it the wrong way) but how exactly am I able to do that?

I'm quite sure I will not be able to sum up an answer to that question in this one post, although, that won't stop me from trying. 

Who am I? When considering all of time and space and eternity and existence and all of those allusive words filled with weighty concepts. . Who am I?

I am a tall, awkward, cookie monster, who hates mornings and crying, but that's not relevant. 

I am a planner. I make lists daily. I schedule what I'd like to learn and I attempt to micromanage the things under my control to the point of earning the nickname Nazi from my sister. It's a joke of course, but you get the idea. 

I worry. I try to hide the fact, but those close to me know it best. I can make myself sick by worrying.  

I hate the idea of time passing continuously, with it's indifference to what I do with it. 

I love the stars. 

The universe is massive. The stars burn, the planets orbit within our solar system. Beyond that, there are estimated to be billions of galaxies, filled with numerous astronomical scenes. Considering the magnitude of the heavens, who am I?

Psalms 8: 3-4

When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?

In the grand scheme of things, we are minuscule. . I am minuscule. Still 'He', the maker of the burning night sky, the author of each word which flows from the lips of the mortal, is mindful. Mindful of me.

My life has been purchased, which means I no longer 'own' it, I merely care for the mortal body and its actions. As a servant, my agenda is, joyful obedience to God's will. There is a fascinating analogy I heard recently, "we are suppose to be light, light comparable to that of moons, reflecting the sun".

I think there is a balance. We know that each decision we make will affect something. Each of our thoughts, our actions, determine who we are and what legacy we will leave behind. We will always have the ability to learn and grow our character, conforming it to The Word. We can find comfort in that fact, knowing we will not be useless. But to worry about the passing of time, will not affect its persistence to pass . Our worry is meaningless, not to mention a waste of the time so valued by the controlling, like myself. We as the creation, will never fully understand 'time', but it has been loaned to us-- whether or not to use it faithfully, equally diligent in the small things and peacefully resting in God's promises, is our decision.

Regardless,

The stars continue to burn, and time will remain incomprehensible to us.


Just a thought. . .

>>>Arrow

My 20th. A Semi Celebratory Occasion

I turned 20 on the tenth of July, 2014. 

There it is. I said it. 

Honestly? I've never particularly been 'good' at getting older. Change and passing time may be two of my least favorite parts of life. Maybe because they are completely out of my control. I can fight it all I want, but there is no possible way to prevent change. . . To stop time. 

I don't really feel any different than I did five days ago, that just proves the point C.S. Lewis made: 

"Isn't it funny how day by day, nothing changes, but when you look back everything is different?..."

So very different. 

Although, a few monumental changes have taken place recently, but that's off topic. 

--- Back to my birthday.

I was determined to sulk the day away, eating icecream and watching Bones reruns, but my family had a different plan. I'm very blessed to have so many people put effort into making my 20th special and more meaningful than I had requested. 

  | Firstly, it's tradition to make a birthday breakfast chosen by the. . . birthed. ;)
I chose berry and greek yogurt parfaits. Hannah also made me almond flour chocolate chip cookies. Which is only fitting because I am, after all, the Cookie Monster. 

  | Next, I was able to spend the entire morning making my tray. It turned out positively splendid. I will have a post dedicated to it coming on July 26th, Lord willing. 

 Also, I was able to begin my adventure book, which was part of my 20s list. This book will be filled with all of my dreams, traveling expeditions, quotes, poems, and pretty much anything that inspires me.

  | Finally, my Little made me change out of my pajamas and curl my hair. Around 4:30pm, I was ordered to wait in the van. 

Before I knew it we were on our way to a mysterious destination. Which soon enough revealed itself to be Panda Express. Yumm! 

Afterwards, they took me to a dollar theater which was still showing one of my current favorites, Divergent. 

  | Lastly, on our way home, we stopped at Walmart for ice cream, allowing me to sulk for the last few minutes of my birthday.. ;)

At 11:47pm (the exact moment that marks my 20th year of existence) lying in bed, I told myself happy birthday. All in all, I'd say it was a very good way to turn 20. And for me, that's a big deal. 

You're might be curious about gifts. 

This year, I didn't have much of an answer to the familiar question concerning my wish list, which was neat because instead, most everyone made me things. I truly value homemade presents much more than those purchased. Also, I received a lot of food. But we won't read into that one. ;)

My best friend Jenny, made me a jar filled with tons of pieces of paper, each had a word or phrase or quote that is significant in our relationship. I've always said she didn't have the best memory, but of course, she accepted the challenge to prove me wrong. She included a small draw string bag filled with sea shells we've collected in the jar. It is our beach, after all. 

My Bub made me a beautiful and completely inspiring piece of art for our bedroom wall. It is a homemade arrow with twisted metal that reads 'Arrow Sparks'. The placement and lighting made it impossible to photograph, so you will have to use your imagination. Also, he gave me two note books for drafting blog posts, as well as a bracelet. 

I love that guy. Muchly. 

My Little put together the entire birthday surprise, paid for my movie ticket, and bought me Chinese. :D Oh, and she bought me a mug and candle for the tray I made. 

Phil paid for the gas to get to the movie, earbuds, and dark chocolate covered Acai berries.

Doc and my Sissy made me a precious vest. It's flowy and neutral and perfect. 

Sissy also bought me a bottle of pure organic maple syrup and Doc, like previously mentioned, made the Cookie Monster some birthday cookies.  

Mrs Cathy bought me all my favorite foods. Peanut butter, dark chocolate chips, greek yogurt, and raspberries. 

Momma bought me all of the supplies necessary for my tray, along with a succulent plant in need of naming. 

Britt and the kids, made me a dessert pass which will definitely be redeemed and appreciated. 

And lastly, the sweetest woman in the world Sarah, sent me an entire package of goodies. Nail polish, anthropology perfume (which smells divine), a bracelet, and a beautifully decorated box of vanishing sugar cookies.

Like I said. All in all. Good day. 

In conclusion, I want to thank everyone for the gifts and birthday wishes.
Although I was legitimately nervous about turning 20, it's inevitable and honestly, my fear of aging is a lack of faith in God's perfection. If my mind were ultimately focused on God, the various tasks he has allowed me to work on, conforming my character to be more like His, and glorifying Him with a more joyful countenance, I would desire His will, which obviously includes growing up. 

This year, I will challenge myself to grow in thankfulness concerning each element of life, including change. 

>>> Arrow